20 WINTER PROTECT NEWSLETTER Trigger warning: Mentions suicide Mental health is a critical aspect of overall well-being, yet it often remains a topic shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding. This is particularly true for men, who face unique challenges and societal pressures that can significantly impact their mental health. In November, we saw two initiatives - Movember and International Men's Day - bringing men's mental health issues to the forefront, encouraging open conversations and fostering supportive environments. I thought it would be helpful to dig a little deeper on these matters given that financial services remains a male-dominated industry. Firstly I thought it would be useful to understanding the scope of men's mental health issues in the UK. Here are some worrying, yet important statistics: • Common Mental Health Disorders: Approximately 12.5% of men in the UK are suffering from one of the common mental health disorders. • Alcohol Dependence: Men are nearly three times more likely than women to become alcohol dependent, with 8.7% of men being alcohol dependent compared to 3.3% of women. • Suicide Rates: In 2023, there were 6,069 registered deaths by suicide in the UK, with 75% of these being men. Men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women. • Stress: In a survey conducted for the Men’s Health Forum, 12% of men said that the last time they took time off work to see a GP was because they were “constantly feeling stressed or under pressure” and 11% because of “prolonged feelings of sadness.” • Therapy: Men are less likely to access psychological therapies than women - only 36% of referrals to NHS talking therapies are for men Talking about men's mental health is essential for several reasons. It helps to break down the stigma that often surrounds mental health issues; when people feel comfortable discussing their struggles, it becomes easier for them to seek help and support. Open conversations about mental health can also educate others about the signs and symptoms of mental health issues, leading to earlier intervention and better outcomes. How can we help to foster environments which encourage this? In the workplace, I think developing a positive company culture where people feel they can bring their ‘whole selves’ to work is key. In addition, making support available – whether this is giving line managers more training in supporting those who are struggling, highlighting useful resources to staff or perhaps investing in someone to become a Mental Health First Aider that can take a lead on providing help and guidance. As with general mental health, men's mental health issues are diverse and complex, ranging from depression and anxiety to The Importance of talking about Men's Mental Health Riona Mulherin Director of Marketing & Operations Paradigm
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